VARESE, 22 June 2024- – Tomorrow, Saturday 22 June, Varese Pride 2024 will be held, the demonstration for the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, queer, intersex, asexuals and other gender identities and sexual orientations) and their families, organized by Arcigay Varese with the main sponsor Vector and the gold sponsor Vodafone Automotive and Hotel Tribe Milano Malpensa. The sponsors support the event and the non-profit initiatives organized by the association on the topic.
Varese Pride 2024 is the highlight of an entire month of cultural, artistic, social, promoted by local entities in partnership with the Municipality of Varese, the patronage of the University of Insubria and the Canadian Embassy in Italy, as well as the participation of numerous city and provincial entities. The complete list of events is on the website varesepride.it/events.
The organizers also published a political manifesto of the event, because in addition to being a moment of celebration it is also a moment to ask for equal rights. Varese Pride recognizes and promotes every form of family, calls for full recognition of homo-parental families, of equal marriage and asks that the birth certificates of the children of rainbow families be transcribed. It also asks for support for the adoption of LGBT people. Varese Pride also supports trans* subjectivities, calls for safe spaces and claims the fundamental right to health and stands against all forms of war and oppression. On the Varese Pride Instagram profile you can read the complete political manifesto.
The program of the day
The day will begin at 10:00 with the Arcigay Varese information stand in Piazza Monte Grappa, where it will be possible to learn about the association’s activities, support Varese Pride and the non-profit initiatives it carries out on discrimination, and purchase gadgets official events of Varese Pride 2024 and the presale for the Official After Pride Party.
At 3.30 pm, at the tensile structure of the Giardini Estensi, there will be a circus workshop for children, organized by Spazio Kabum which will offer the little ones the opportunity to approach the world of circus and have fun with games and recreational activities.
At 4.00 pm, in Piazza Monte Grappa, there will be a concentration of participants in the procession, which will start at 5.00 pm and will travel through the streets of the historic center to the rhythm of music selected by DJ Ilariasds, until arriving at the Giardini Estensi, where the Varese Pride Night will take place, a large outdoor party with music, entertainment and exceptional guests.
At 7.00 pm, the Varese Pride Night will begin at the tensile structure of the Giardini Estensi. The event, with free and open access, includes the presence of the event’s godmother Romina Falconi, a Roman singer-songwriter with an eclectic and irreverent personality, an icon of Italian pop music and a passionate activist for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. With her powerful voice and sharp lyrics, Romina has won over audiences with songs that address important topics such as love, identity and self-acceptance. During the day, Romina Falconi will announce a big surprise. Also on stage is special guest Chadia Rodriguez, an Italian-Moroccan rapper, an explosion of energy and talent who has conquered the Italian music scene with her unique style and bold lyrics. With her scratchy voice and magnetic presence, Chadia tackles important topics such as female empowerment, inclusion and the fight against stereotypes. The evening will continue with a DJ set by Cusa DJ, Resident DJ of Varese Pride. With his infectious energy and eclectic music selection, he knows how to get everyone dancing and having fun. Her passion for music and her commitment to the LGBTQIA+ cause come together in engaging and emotion-rich sets, making her an icon of Varese Pride. Also on stage will be drag queens La Ines, La Safira and Miss Nuit Blanche, who with their glamorous charm and irony will be able to enchant and entertain the audience with their performances. Also on stage are Riki Cellini, Effe, Vita Ninja, Croce Atroce, Odette Face, Yrina Polanova, Kilian Lenox and many others who will perform in a show that will give visibility to the Italian queer scene.
For those who want to continue having fun, the Official After Pride Party will be open from 01:00 at Il Salotto, the venue in Viale Belforte, 178, which will host the Varese Pride participants with music, drinks and entertainment.
Services and special initiatives
It will be possible during the day to take the rapid, anonymous and free HIV test thanks to the volunteers of Arcigay Varese, who will be present with their gazebo in Piazza Monte Grappa from 10:00 to 15:00.
The security service will be guaranteed by City Angels Varese, who with their presence and professionalism will ensure the smooth running of the event and the tranquility of the participants.
The organizers advise against bringing animals due to the temperature and confusion, but Veterinary Ambulances will be present to offer assistance and rescue to animals in difficulty.
During the day there will be activities by the Cooperativa Lotta contro l’Marginazione, which will offer information and materials for risk prevention with alcohol tests and information material.
The entire Pride Night will be completely accessible with the simultaneous translation of the signs into Italian, thanks to the collaboration with Integralis.
Furthermore, a free lanyard will be distributed with the sunflower symbol, the symbol of invisible diversity and neurodivergence, to raise awareness of the difficulties encountered by people with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression and other conditions that are not visible to the public. eye but which require attention and respect.
Anti-noise earplugs will be distributed to participants, to make the event more comfortable for people who suffer from hearing hypersensitivity or who prefer a lower volume.
Upon arrival at the Giardini Estensi tensile structure there will also be a sensory unloading area, particularly useful for people with autism, who will be able to find a quiet and relaxing environment.
In the tensile structure area there will be a food and beverage service, with rainbow cocktails and a variety of gastronomic options for all tastes and needs. Smoking and glass bottles are prohibited under the tensile structure to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
After the procession, speeches by the authorities and associations present will be held on the stage of the Estensi Gardens. In addition to the president of Arcigay Varese, Giovanni Boschini, who will introduce the evening and thank the participants, sponsors and volunteers, the following will speak: the councilor for equal opportunities and educational services of the Municipality of Varese, Rossella Dimaggio; the culture councilor of the Municipality of Varese, Enzo Laforgia; the general secretary of the CGIL of Varese, Stefania Filetti; the representative of FemVa, a transfeminine collective from Varese; The president of Agedo, an association of parents and friends of homosexual people, Italo Carloni; the spokesperson for Famiglie Arcobaleno, an association of homosexual parents with children; the president of the Provincial ANPI of Varese, the national association of partisans in Italy. Finally, representatives of the thematic groups of Arcigay Varese will speak: the coordinator of the health group, Tommaso Tramonte; the coordinator of the trans* group, Zeno Bertagna; the coordinator of the youth group, Filippo Caimi; the representative of the Middle School Students Network.
Participants are reminded that the weather forecast is for a sunny and mild day. It is recommended that you bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water to hydrate. In case of bad weather, the event will still be held.
For more information on the Varese Pride 2024 program and how to participate, you can visit the official website www.varesepride.it or follow the social channels Facebook @varesepride and Instagram @vareseprideofficial.
